AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027: Funded Opportunity for Young African Researchers – Apply by October 2 offers eligible African PhD students research training, mentorship, and a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
Background & Fellowship Description
The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme (VFP) 2027 is inviting applications from eligible PhD students enrolled at universities in African countries.
The fellowship focuses on Innovation and Development (I&D) and is designed to strengthen research capabilities, improve dissertations, and expose African PhD researchers to international research networks.
The 2027 programme combines online activities with a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa, scheduled for 6 September to 3 December 2027.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful fellows can benefit from:
- Research mentorship from AfricaLics and Globelics scholars.
- Academic writing and research training.
- Participation in paper presentation seminars.
- A three-month research stay at UJ.
- Networking with African and international researchers.
- Support for improving dissertation work and research outputs.
- Accommodation during the Johannesburg study visit.
- Economy return flight costs from the nearest international airport to Johannesburg.
- Travel insurance.
- A living-cost stipend of approximately US$600 per month during the study visit.
- Coverage of approved joint courses and mentorship-related costs.
Research Areas
Applicants should be conducting research connected to Innovation and Development.
AfricaLics particularly highlights four Research Coordination Areas:
- STI Measurement in Africa
- Global Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialization
- Innovating Resilience and Inclusive Agricultural Innovation
- Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa
The programme is multidisciplinary and can include research connected to economics, sociology, political science, geography, development studies, science and technology policy, STEM and manufacturing from a social-science perspective.
Qualifications
Education and Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled as a PhD student at a university in Africa.
- Be actively researching a subject relevant to Innovation and Development.
- Preferably have completed their first year of PhD studies by December 2026.
- Be from an African country classified by the OECD/DAC as low- or lower-middle-income for the scholarship option.
- Have an appropriate academic background.
- Have adequate English literacy.
Female PhD students and researchers from low-income African countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must also have secured basic funding for their PhD studies from another source because the AfricaLics fellowship is complementary to their existing doctoral studies.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- A one-page/500-word motivation explaining their background, reasons for applying, and expected outcomes.
- A brief outline of their current PhD project and training plan.
- CV, including PhD courses completed.
- Letter of support from the main PhD supervisor.
- Letter of support from the university administration.
- Copies of bachelor’s and master’s certificates.
- One writing sample from the current PhD programme.
Additional Information
Programme: AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027
Target group: African PhD students
Research area: Innovation and Development
Host institution: University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Study visit: 6 September–3 December 2027
Application deadline: 2 October 2026 at 23:00 East Africa Time
Interviews: 27 and 30 November 2026
Expected notification: Mid-December 2026 or early January 2027
The fellowship does not replace supervision at the student’s home university. Fellows continue working with their existing supervisors while receiving additional mentoring and training through AfricaLics.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official AfricaLics application form with all required attachments by 23:00 East Africa Time on 2 October 2026.
Official fellowship announcement: AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship 2027
Applicants with questions can contact visitingphd@africalics.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship?
Eligible PhD students enrolled at universities in African countries and conducting research related to Innovation and Development can apply.
Where will the study visit take place?
The three-month study visit will take place at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
How much is the fellowship stipend?
The 2027 call states that living costs during the study visit are normally covered through a stipend of approximately US$600 per month.
Does the fellowship cover accommodation?
Yes. Accommodation in Johannesburg during the study visit will be organised with support from AfricaLics and UJ, with costs covered by the fellowship programme.
Does AfricaLics cover travel?
The programme states that return economy-class flight costs from the nearest international airport to Johannesburg will be covered for funded study visits.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 2 October 2026 at 23:00 East Africa Time.
Final Thoughts
The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027 provides eligible African doctoral researchers with an opportunity to strengthen their research through mentorship, academic training, international networking and a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg.
Applicants should prepare their research proposal, supervisor and university support letters, academic records and writing sample well before the 2 October 2026 deadline.
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